Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
HAN English scores
From HAN's admission requirements page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 6.0, no sub-score below 5.0, speaking 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 4.5 (80 before 21 Jan 2026), PTE 61, LanguageCert 65, Cambridge FCE 169, TOEIC LR 865 / SW 335 |
| Master's: Applied Molecular Sciences, International Social Work, Circular Economy | 6.5, no sub-score below 5.5, speaking 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 5.0 (90), PTE 63, LanguageCert 70, Cambridge FCE 176 |
| Master's: Engineering Systems, Applied Data Science | 6.0, no sub-score below 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 4.5 (80) with no sub-score below 4.0, PTE 61, LanguageCert 65, FCE 169, TOEIC |
Test rules and exemptions
HAN accepts only the tests it lists, taken at an official examination centre; home editions are not accepted and tests should not be older than two years. Duolingo is not on the list.
You need no test if you completed the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme or the European Baccalaureate (English Language 1 or 2), if you completed secondary or tertiary education in English in Australia, Canada (not Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the USA or the UK, or if your diploma is on the Nuffic list and English was part of the curriculum.
Free test: are you at HAN University of Applied Sciences's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Matching for bachelor's applicants
Bachelor's applicants also take part in Matching, which for international students includes a short online interview. Some programmes require specific school subjects, listed on each programme's Admission & finances page.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your HAN programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where HAN University of Applied Sciences publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does HAN need for a bachelor's?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no sub-score below 5.0 and at least 6.0 in speaking.
What IELTS does HAN need for a master's?+
6.5 with no sub-score below 5.5 (6.0 speaking) for Applied Molecular Sciences, International Social Work and Circular Economy; 6.0 in every sub-score for Engineering Systems and Applied Data Science.
Does HAN accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes. HAN's page says One Skill Retakes are accepted.
Does HAN accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 61 for bachelor's, and 63 for the higher-level master's.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the Netherlands accepting IELTS 6.0
- IELTS for the Netherlands
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- Radboud University IELTS requirement
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- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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